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Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

These Irresistible Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls combine soft, chewy bread dough with a luscious strawberry-cinnamon filling and a creamy strawberry-cream cheese icing. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful dessert, these rolls offer a fresh twist on the classic cinnamon roll with a vibrant berry flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/4 tsp yeast (Red Star Platinum recommended)
  • 1/3 cup butter (melted and cooled to room temperature)
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 1/2 cups bread flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp cream

For the Filling

  • 2 cups strawberries (finely chopped into 1/4-inch pieces)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Icing

  • 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature, about 70 °F)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tbsp strawberry filling (reserved from filling mixture)
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: Warm the milk to about 110°F (just warm to the touch, not hot), then combine it with the sugar and yeast in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this bloom ensures your yeast is alive and active.
  2. Make the Dough: Add the cooled melted butter, eggs, bread flour, and salt to the yeast mixture. Using a stand mixer with a dough hook, mix on medium speed for 6-8 minutes until the dough comes together and becomes smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky; this develops the gluten structure needed for a tender, chewy crumb.
  3. First Rise: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise at room temperature for 1 hour until it roughly doubles in size.
  4. Prepare the Strawberry Filling: While the dough rises, combine the finely chopped strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down slightly and release their juices. Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry, whisk it into the strawberry mixture along with cinnamon, then simmer for another minute until thickened. Transfer to a shallow dish and let cool completely to prevent sogginess during assembly.
  5. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has doubled, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and gently stretch or roll it into a 12×16 inch rectangle. Spread the cooled strawberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border on all sides. Starting from the long side closest to you, tightly roll the dough into a log, pinching the seam to seal.
  6. Cut and Arrange: Using a sharp knife or dental floss, cut the log into 12 equal pieces by marking the center, then cutting in halves and thirds for even portions. Arrange the rolls cut-side up in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature for 45 minutes until puffy and nearly touching.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F. After the second rise, uncover the pan and bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rolls should feel set but retain slight softness when pressed gently.
  8. Cool Slightly: Remove the rolls from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before icing.
  9. Prepare the Icing: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter in a bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes. Add sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of reserved strawberry filling, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the icing is smooth and spreadable.
  10. Ice the Rolls: Spread the icing generously over the warm rolls, allowing it to melt slightly into crevices. Serve warm directly from the pan for best texture or cool to room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for best dough consistency and rise.
  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Allow the strawberry filling to cool completely before spreading to prevent soggy dough.
  • Cut rolls evenly for uniform baking.
  • The icing can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less milk.
  • These rolls can be reheated gently to restore softness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast & Brunch, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: strawberry cinnamon rolls, strawberry rolls, cinnamon rolls with fruit, breakfast rolls, berry cinnamon rolls, cream cheese icing rolls

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Find it online: https://everydaytastes.com/strawberry-cinnamon-rolls-with-cream-cheese-icing-recipe/